A Day Trip to Mount Takao in Tokyo

In autumn, you can spend a day in Tokyo exploring Mount Takao and enjoying the fall foliage. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. The trip from the city center takes about an hour, making it a convenient and friendly itinerary. The nearest station to Mount Takao is Keio Line's Takaosanguchi Station. Simply enter 'Takaosanguchi Station' into Google Maps to get the transportation route from your starting point, which is very convenient. Upon arriving at Takaosanguchi Station, there are convenience stores where you can buy some snacks and water for the hike. If you prefer not to walk, you can take a short walk to the cable car station 'Kiyotaki Station' and ride the cable car to 'Takaosan Station' halfway up the mountain. From there, you will need to hike to reach the summit. Along the way, you'll pass by temples, giant cedar trees, and more. There's a popular stall selling soy sauce-glazed rice dumplings, a favorite rest stop for hikers. The soy sauce-glazed sesame dumplings are delicious, and customers can also enjoy free hot tea provided by the stall. After reaching the summit, depending on the weather, you might be able to see Mount Fuji. In mid to late December, there are a few days when you can witness the 'Diamond Fuji' phenomenon at sunset, where the sun sets directly on top of Mount Fuji, creating a dazzling sight like a diamond. During these days, the cable car extends its operating hours. After descending the mountain and returning to the station, you can choose to relax at the nearby Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, soak in the hot springs, and enjoy a meal to relieve your fatigue, making for a perfect day.